Yes, I confirmed this today. On Monday Benz was saying to Jim Colony that BO said something to him at a function last Friday night and that he was going to try and get him to say it on the air in the interview. If he didn't say it, Benz said he would get into it after the interview. If you listen to the interview again (Thanks Bowser!) you can hear Benz hinting at it during the final part of the interview, where he is asking BO if the Pens leave, who could be the anchor tenant of a new arena.

This is the most basic demonstration of the lunacy of BO.

1.) To think an NBA would be successful in this city is just completely idiotic.
2.) To think an NBA team would WANT to come here after the way the Pens have been treated is EVEN MORE idiotic.

I am really beginning to hate this city more and more every day. Its so obvious the fix is in with Rendell and FC its not even funny. And BO and Onorato are willing participants. Makes me sick!

Get an arena and get an NBA team as well. There are still some cities that have the hockey and basketball teams play in the same arena.

That would be great for Pittsburgh, but I don't think Pittsburgh has the economic ability to sustain another pro sports team. Also, that still doesn't the fact that Pittsburgh is really not a basketball city. I just don't see it.

The only way an NBA team would have a chance here is if they were perennial contenders (because people will go see a winner), but even then it's questionable.

Minor league pro basketball has failed here before, and the Pittsburgh Xplosion routinely play in front of crowds less than 100 people.

People here aren't going to support an NBA team solely because it's a major sport. This is a proven hockey market - people are still buying tickets despite the on-ice ineptitude the past few years. That tells you you have a good core of fans here. When the winning comes back, so will Joe Average Burgh Sports Fan and with him, max crowds.

The NBA would never even consider Pittsburgh for a team. David Stern is a very smart commissioner and wouldn't try to force basketball into a non-basketball town. Yes, Pitt draws well because they win. But how about any of the other colleges or the Xplosion? Even when the Cavs came to town I believe they drew less than 10,000. Yes, it was exhibition season, but if this were a basketball starved city, it would've sold out.

To lure a franchise here as opposed to keeping the Pens here. The city/county would have to pay 100% of a new arena before an existing franchise would come or would have to find an owner willing to put up an expansion fee and pay for a portion of the arena. They would also want a sweetheart lease. Typical Pittsburgh thinking.

netwolf wrote:The only way an NBA team would have a chance here is if they were perennial contenders (because people will go see a winner), but even then it's questionable.

Minor league pro basketball has failed here before, and the Pittsburgh Xplosion routinely play in front of crowds less than 100 people.

People here aren't going to support an NBA team solely because it's a major sport. This is a proven hockey market - people are still buying tickets despite the on-ice ineptitude the past few years. That tells you you have a good core of fans here. When the winning comes back, so will Joe Average Burgh Sports Fan and with him, max crowds.

As you rightly said, Pittsburgh is no basketball city. It's a hockey city.

With the tradition and heritage involved with hockey in the city, it would be a major disappointment to see the team leave. As an outsider I can't really comment on the politics within the city (I'll leave that to you guys), but I can tell you it will be an extremely sad day for ice hockey and Pittsburgh if the Penguins were to leave. That is why I would back any proposal to keep the team in Pittsburgh. It would also stick in the throat if the team were to move and pick up the Stanley Cup in the first season post relocation.

"I have yet to read anything about either the mayor or county executive preaching ``the postives of the Harrah's plan.'' I'd be curious to know where you read or heard that because they seem to be keeping extremely low profiles on the matter.
Likewise, I know nothing of the locally impacted studies that you are talking about.
Thanks for writing." -- Bob Smizik

"I have yet to read anything about either the mayor or county executive preaching ``the postives of the Harrah's plan.'' I'd be curious to know where you read or heard that because they seem to be keeping extremely low profiles on the matter.Likewise, I know nothing of the locally impacted studies that you are talking about. Thanks for writing." -- Bob Smizik